Olympic Winter Games Best Bets: Men’s Hockey (2/13)
The Men’s Olympic Hockey event started yesterday, with Slovakia and Sweden earning victories. The same four teams that played on Wednesday will play on Friday, with the matchups in Group B changed. Let’s discuss both games below.
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Friday’s Best Winter Olympics Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Slovakia vs. Italy (Men’s Hockey)
Slovakia destroyed Finland 4-1 in the first Men’s Hockey game of the Olympics. With the match tied at 1-1 heading into the third period, Slovakia scored three goals to outlast Finland.
Heading into the Olympics, Slovakia knew it would be an underdog. Yet, Juraj Slafkovsky scored two goals in the 4-1 win, and Samuel Hlavaj made 39 saves. They’ll be massive favorites against Italy, giving themselves a chance to win Group B and reach the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Italy was competitive in its loss against Sweden. The Italians lost 5-2 but kept the score 2-2 late in the second period. Things eventually took a turn, and Sweden was able to pile on. Ultimately, Italian goalie Damian Clara left the third period with a leg injury. If he’s unable to go, it’ll be very difficult for Italy to hold on and keep this game close.
I’ll take Slovakia -1.5.
Pick: Slovakia -1.5 (-385)
Sweden vs. Finland (Men’s Hockey)
Group B was supposed to be a race between Sweden and Finland. Now Slovakia is in the driver’s seat. But whoever wins this game will be in better shape heading into their final matchup.
Sweden’s Filip Gustavsson started for Sweden and allowed two goals on the first four shots he faced. He settled in after that and didn’t allow any other goals. Sweden could make a move to start Jacob Markstrom in net, but it seems too quick to pull the plug after a solid finish for Gustavsson.
Finland took 39 shots against a minor league goal in Samuel Hlavaj and scored just one “gimme” goal. Finland hasn’t been creative with its shooting, and it shows. If Gustavsson is settled in, Finland could struggle to find the back of the net again.
I’ll back Sweden on the Moneyline.
Pick: Sweden (-200)